Last Night

The Phantoms prevailed 4-3 after the Senators came back to tie at 1-1, 2-2 and 3-3. They had to kill a triple-minor and an empty net 6-on-4 as time expired.

Indeed the Phantoms never gave up. Even as the momentum seemed to turn with every Binghamton score, not only did the Phantoms squad refuse to give up–they actually seemed energized coming out on the buzz after a couple of those goals. It was a fun game to watch, and the announced crowd of 7,859 was into it the whole way. Goals were scored by Weal (2), Zengerle, and Leier. Chris Connor had two assists and Alex Lyon had 32 saves. Binghamton out-shot the Phantoms on the scoreboard, but had fewer quality chances and the Phantoms missed the net a fair few times as well.

Final thought: May the hockey gods have mercy on your fandom if you ever leave one of these games early. This is a really fun team to watch right now. I don’t care what Big Woody’s says. 😉

Team Report

With the win, and Bridgeport’s OT win in Wilkes Barre, the Phantoms move into a fractional lead in the division!

TEAM

GP

W

L

OTL

SOL

PTS

PCT

1

LV

17

12

4

1

0

25

0.735

2

WBS

18

12

4

2

0

26

0.722

3

BRI

17

12

5

0

0

24

0.706

4

HER

18

10

4

3

1

24

0.667

5

SPR

17

7

6

2

2

18

0.529

6

PRO

18

7

6

3

2

19

0.528

7

HFD

18

5

10

3

0

13

0.361

While it’s always nice to over-take the Pens on pct, that Bridgeport team scares the bejeezus out of me right now. Also, we’ve got four against the brown team coming up next month: 3 at home and one at the not-so-giant center.

Player Report

See yesterday’s post if you’re not up to date on injury and roster news.

Lamarche played for Willcox last night. Miele still has not returned. Corban Knight centered the top line last night as play began.

Jordan Weal up to 7th in points now after last night’s two scores–even having missed time with injury.

“Heshootshescores” Photo: Cheryl Pursell

Royal Report

The Reading Royals got a big win in Elmira last night to end their slide–friend of the blog Pettersson with the game-winner! They’re back at tonight and tomorrow in Reading, home for Cincinnati. Check them out tomorrow if you’re looking for hockey.

GAME DAY!

The Hartford Wolfpack return to town, sitting in last place in the division. They are the AHL affiliate of the hated New York Rangers.

Puck Drop: 7:05PM

Doors: 5:30PM

Tickets: Scattered seats are still available, as well as many good choices on the secondary market. Remember the VIP experience seats are available for many upcoming games, as well.

Parking: No issues to report–remember to bring cash.

Promotion: None. Check out the pre-season jerseys for auction on the concourse, though. I was in on one last night, but luckily for the health of my wallet and my marriage, someone out-bid me. A couple specialty jerseys coming up in December, I understand: Military Appreciation and Holiday Jersey. Stay tuned, jersey watchers.

Pregame: Radio 1470 at 6:20PM, TV SECTV-2 6:30PM (Chickie’s and Pete’s). Last night Dan and I enjoyed a fine cigar and appropriate adult beverage at his place before the game. I could get used to that! Tonight, we may check out Sugar Hill Jazz with Mrs Kram. Caution: Mrs Kram is 0-3, including preseason, in games attended this season. It’s “Small Business Saturday” uptown, so plenty to do and see if you want to head up early.

Another big save by Lyon. Photo: Cheryl Pursell

What To Watch

Watch to see if Miele can get back. The team is deep enough to keep chugging along without him, but now that Laughton is back up with Philadelphia it does leave us without a true top-line centerman–not that Weal isn’t exactly that manning the second line, but you get my drift.

Watch to see who starts in goal. Lyon has said in interviews that he’s most comfortable being the every night starter, so perhaps you ride him here; he’s been really good. Not a bad spot to get our old friend Marty some work, either, though.

A tough win Wednesday night, and a spirited win last night–watch to see if the energy is just as high tonight or if they’re peeking forward to the trip to Toronto on Tuesday.

Watch the defenders. They gave up a fair few breakaways last night, most of which were bailed out by Lyon. There really shouldn’t be more than one of those a game if they’re being responsible on the blue line.

Watch the power play. The Hamilton Street Heroes have the second-ranked unit, and the Hartford penalty kill is near the bottom. This could be where the goals come from tonight.

Looking Ahead

The Phantoms head to Canada–Toronto–for a Tuesday night tilt. They’ll return for Youth Sports Night versus Hershey on Friday, before completing their 3-in-3 next weekend in Hershey and *gasp* Bridgeport. Back to back with the Bears before a Sunday afternoon soiree in Connecticut is a tough sequence at the end of four-game week.